Chinese Idiom: 入木三分 (Ru Mu San Fen)
English Translation: Using Their Own Arguments Against Them
pīn yīn: rù mù sān fēn
Idiom Meaning: Describes writing, speech, or analysis that is very profound and insightful.
Historical Source: The Book of Calligraphy: Wang Xizhi (书断·王羲之)
Idiom Story: The idiom “入木三分” (rù mù sān fēn) is derived from a story about Wang Xizhi, a revered calligrapher from the Eastern Jin Dynasty who is often hailed as the “Sage of Calligraphy.” Known for his exceptional skill and dedication, Wang Xizhi’s mastery in calligraphy became legendary.
From a young age, Wang Xizhi was passionate about writing. At twelve, he eagerly sought to learn calligraphy from his father after discovering a book titled Treatise on Writing under his father’s pillow. His father, recognizing his determination, agreed to teach him immediately, despite Wang Xizhi’s youth.
Under his father’s guidance, Wang Xizhi devoted himself intensely to practice. His commitment was so profound that even in moments of rest, he would mentally practice writing and often end up wearing out his clothes from drawing characters in the air. His practice was relentless, extending to every aspect of his life, including walking, eating, and even in his sleep, where he would trace characters with his fingers.
Despite his growing reputation as a skilled calligrapher, Wang Xizhi continuously refined his technique. An anecdote recounts that he once asked a craftsman to carve his writing into a wooden board. The craftsman was astonished to find that the ink had penetrated three-tenths of an inch into the wood. Although this story may be more legend than fact, it vividly illustrates the depth and strength of Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy, which had reached an extraordinary level of proficiency.
The phrase “入木三分” originally referred to this depth of ink penetration but has come to symbolize any work, speech, or analysis that demonstrates profound insight and depth.
